Two of the most terrifying children in horror cinema are not just creepy kids—they’re vessels of unholy power:

  • Damien Thorn, the Antichrist from The Omen series, destined to bring about the apocalypse and rule the world in the name of Satan.
  • Regan MacNeil, the innocent girl possessed by Pazuzu, an ancient and powerful demon in The Exorcist, capable of terrifying supernatural phenomena and extreme physical control.

But if these two were to come face to face—Antichrist vs Possessed Child—who would walk away (or float away) victorious?

Let’s dive in.

Round 1: Origins & Possession

the omen 541c94677000fDamien Thorn (The Omen)

  • Born of a jackal and secretly adopted by a diplomat.
  • Is not just possessed—he is the Antichrist, the literal son of Satan, prophesied to bring about the end times.
  • Protected from birth by dark forces and Satanic followers (like Mrs. Baylock).
  • As he ages (especially in Omen II and The Final Conflict), becomes more aware of his powers and destiny.

Regan MacNeil (The Exorcist)

  • A normal girl until she’s possessed by Pazuzu, an Assyrian demon.
  • Pazuzu takes control of her body and unleashes a torrent of supernatural activity: levitation, telekinesis, speaking in tongues, superhuman strength.
  • The possession is temporary, and ultimately, Pazuzu is expelled via exorcism.

Winner: Damien

Damien is evil incarnate, not just possessed but destined to be Satan’s avatar on Earth. Regan is a tragic vessel for someone else’s evil.

Round 2: Powers & Abilities

Damien

  • Causes "accidental" deaths through manipulation of people and nature (e.g., animals, fire, vehicles).
  • Has an almost telepathic influence on others.
  • Later in life, exhibits full control of demonic power, including mind control, murder by thought, and protection from holy forces.
  • Can inspire suicidal devotion and paranoia in his enemies.

the exorcist 542ac2aa86e07Regan (Pazuzu)

  • Telekinesis, levitation, precognition, super strength, and demonic knowledge.
  • Uses telepathic manipulation to deceive priests and family.
  • Vomits corrosive bile, distorts her voice, and taunts psychologically.
  • Creates violent poltergeist activity in the house and can contort her body in unnatural ways.

Winner: Tie

Both display terrifying power, especially in close quarters. Pazuzu is a showman, but Damien’s power is more cosmic and apocalyptic in scope.

Round 3: Longevity & Resistance

the omen 517987b18acc9Damien

  • Cannot be killed by ordinary means—only the Seven Daggers of Megiddo can destroy him.
  • Immune to holy artifacts unless wielded properly.
  • Survives numerous assassination attempts and fools the world into seeing him as a savior.

the exorcist 5561fb4aa016aRegan

  • Is still a mortal girl at her core. Pazuzu can be exorcised, and once expelled, she becomes powerless.
  • Has no ability to resist if the demon leaves her body.
  • Exorcism works, as seen in both the original and the sequels.

Winner: Damien

Damien is durable, hidden in plain sight, and unkillable by normal means. Regan’s power can be undone with faith and ritual.

Round 4: Psychological Terror

Omen PosterDamien

  • Radiates quiet dread—doesn’t scream or throw fits.
  • Lets the world burn around him while he smiles calmly.
  • His horror is existential: what if evil was born into privilege and power?

Regan (as Pazuzu)

  • Pure shock value: vulgarity, levitation, head-spinning.
  • Aims to break faith and hope through mockery and obscenity.
  • Her horror is immediate and visceral: what if the Devil could take your child?

Winner: Regan

Regan’s scenes are among the most shocking in horror history. Damien’s dread is slow-burn, but Regan brings the nightmare front and center.

the exorcist 55aa9201a46eaRound 5: Army of Darkness (Influence & Followers)

Damien

  • Surrounded by cultists, demonic protectors, and political power.
  • In The Final Conflict, he’s an influential figure with global reach.
  • Represents organized evil, a systemic threat to the world.

Regan

  • Completely alone once the demon is cast out.
  • Pazuzu acts solo, without cults or helpers.
  • Represents chaotic evil, but without lasting infrastructure.

Winner: Damien

Damien has a literal army of darkness, while Regan is a single possession with no loyal followers.

Final Verdict: Who Wins?

CategoryWinner
Origins & Possession Damien
Powers & Abilities Tie
Longevity & Resistance Damien
Psychological Terror Regan
Influence & Followers Damien

🏆 Overall Winner: Damien (4-1-1 Victory) 🏆

the omen 64f045b1532f5

The Battle Scenario: Devil Child Duel

  • Regan, possessed by Pazuzu, begins wreaking havoc in a church. Crosses flip, blood pours from the walls, and a priest bursts into flame.
  • Damien enters calmly, eyes glowing faintly, and the chaos ceases. He stares through Pazuzu, unimpressed.
  • Pazuzu snarls, levitating and hurling furniture—but Damien raises a hand. Everything freezes.
  • “You are a puppet.” Damien says quietly, and banishes Pazuzu with a thought, revealing himself as the true heir to Hell.
  • Regan collapses to the floor, freed, while Damien walks away—his plans for global domination still unfolding.

the exorcist 542ac29667b7b

Final Thought

  • Regan (as Pazuzu) is a force of chaos, unpredictable and horrifying in the short term.
  • Damien Thorn is a force of destiny—the embodiment of apocalypse, evil with a purpose.

In the end, the prince of darkness always outranks the demon of the moment.

👑 Winner: Damien, The Antichrist

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